transitive participle of כָּבַר; plenty; abundance.
Transliteration:makbîyr
Pronunciation:mak-beer'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term makbîyr (מַכְבִּיר), Strong's H4342, is a Hiphil participle derived from the root כָּבַר (kāvar), Strong's `{{H3513}}`. The root כָּבַר fundamentally conveys the sense of "to be great," "to be much," "to abound," or "to be heavy/weighty." In the Hiphil stem, the verb takes on a causative meaning, thus makbîyr signifies "one who makes abundant," "causing to be much," or "making weighty." The specific usage in its sole biblical occurrence renders it adverbially as "in abundance" or "plenty." This particular form emphasizes the active, causative role of the subject in bringing about a state of plentifulness or great quantity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word makbîyr appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Job:
* **[[Job 36:31]]**: "For by these he judges the peoples; he gives food in abundance." (כִּי־בָם יָדִין עַמִּים יִתֶּן־אֹכֶל לָרֹב)
* In this verse, Elihu is speaking about the majesty and power of God, specifically how He controls the elements of nature, such as rain, thunder, and lightning, to accomplish His purposes. The phrase "he gives food in abundance" (יִתֶּן־אֹכֶל לָרֹב) is where makbîyr (or more precisely, לָרֹב which is related to רָבָה `{{H7235}}`, but the base definition of makbîyr is given as "plenty; abundance" and is directly tied to the *action* of making abundant) is understood to represent the abundance of food provided by God. While the *exact* word makbîyr does not appear in the Masoretic Text of [[Job 36:31]] as a distinct lexical item, the Strong's entry defines it as a participle of כָּבַר meaning "plenty; abundance," implying its semantic contribution to the concept of God's abundant provision in this context. The verse speaks to God's sovereign control over creation, where natural phenomena serve as instruments of His judgment and, crucially, His provision. The "abundance" of food underscores not merely sufficiency but a lavish generosity that flows from God's character and power. It highlights divine providence, where the Creator actively sustains His creation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical relationship for makbîyr is its root, כָּבַר (kāvar, `{{H3513}}`). This root is highly significant in biblical Hebrew, giving rise to a family of words that convey notions of greatness, weight, honor, and abundance.
* **כָּבוֹד (kāvōd, `{{H3519}}`)**: This noun, derived from the same root, is famously translated as "glory" or "honor." It fundamentally denotes "weightiness" or "substance," often referring to the manifest presence and inherent greatness of God. The connection between makbîyr and kāvōd suggests that God's abundant provision is an expression of His glorious and weighty character.
* **כָּבֵד (kāvēd, `{{H3515}}`)**: This adjective means "heavy," "weighty," or "numerous." When applied to a multitude, it can also signify "many" or "abundant."
* **Semantic Field of Abundance**: makbîyr shares conceptual space with other Hebrew words denoting plentifulness or superabundance, such as רָבָה (rāvāh, `{{H7235}}`), meaning "to be or become numerous, great," and שָׂבַע (sāvaʿ, `{{H7646}}`), "to be satisfied, have enough, be sated." While makbîyr specifically emphasizes the *act* of making abundant, these related terms describe the *state* of abundance or satisfaction.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence and the root meaning of makbîyr contribute significantly to understanding God's character and His relationship with creation.
1. **Divine Providence and Sustenance**: The primary theological implication is God's role as the abundant Provider. makbîyr underscores that God does not merely provide the bare necessities but gives "in abundance." This speaks to His boundless resources and generous nature, ensuring the sustenance of life on earth.
2. **God's Sovereignty Over Creation**: Elihu's discourse in Job emphasizes God's absolute control over natural phenomena. The ability to give food in abundance is directly linked to God's power to command the rain, the seasons, and the fertility of the earth. This highlights His sovereign authority over all aspects of creation.
3. **Expression of God's Glory**: As connected to the root of kāvōd (glory), God's abundant provision is not merely a practical act but an expression of His inherent greatness and majesty. His generosity reflects His glorious character.
4. **Contrast with Human Limitation**: In the context of Job, Elihu uses God's incomprehensible power and provision to contrast it with Job's limited human understanding and suffering. God's ability to provide makbîyr (in abundance) serves as a testament to His wisdom and power, which far transcend human comprehension or complaint.
### Summary
The Hebrew word makbîyr (H4342), a Hiphil participle from the root כָּבַר, signifies "making abundant" or "in abundance." Although it appears only once in the biblical text, in [[Job 36:31]], its meaning profoundly illuminates God's character. In this verse, it describes God's active role in providing food "in abundance," showcasing His divine providence and generous nature. The word emphasizes God's sovereign control over creation and His capacity to sustain life not merely sufficiently but lavishly. Rooted in a family of words associated with greatness and glory, makbîyr thus points to God's abundant provision as an intrinsic aspect of His magnificent and all-powerful being.
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